Atletico Mineiro are standing firm as the clubs queue up for Savio, director Rodrigo Caetano reminding Jorge Nicola that the winger is under contract amid interest from Premier League giants Arsenal.
Perhaps inspired by the immediate impact Gabriel Martinelli made in North London during 2019/20 – from little-known 17-year-old to ‘talent of the century’ in a matter of weeks – Arsenal are looking to repeat the trick with another Samba starlet.
A fortnight ago, Savio’s agent admitted that Arsenal had shown an interest in a twinkle-toed teenager with a £50 million release clause in his contract.
They’re not alone. Bragantino, the latest club to fall under the Red Bull umbrella, are interested too. As are, the agent confirms, ‘other clubs in Brazil and Europe’.
Caetano is not surprised to see Savio attract plenty of attention from in and outside of Brazilian. But the 2021 Serie A champion won’t be going anywhere without a fight.
Will Brazilian wonderkid Savio end up at Arsenal?
“We know that the market is looking for this type of player, who is still developing and can give a return later on,” Caetano explains, via UOL.
“We had inquiries from some clubs abroad. But none of the offers interested us. If that happens (we receive an acceptable offer), the club will evaluate it.
“Savinho has a contract with us (until December 2023). We have a great relationship with Savio’s agents.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s the market that establishes who the targets are and what the price is. Savinho is under our control not only because of the contract, but because of the relationship we have.”
Savio’s agent believes that, with his client struggling for regular game time at Atletico, a permanent move away from the Mineirao may be for the best.
The youngster played less than an hour of first-team football as Atletico secured their first league title since 1971.
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